Structural transformation from Waugh‐type to Keggin‐type polyoxomolybdate‐based crystalline material for photo/electrocatalysis

Abstract An inorganic–organic hybrid crystalline material (SiMo 12 O 40 )[Cu(2,2′‐bipy) 2 ] 2 ·2H 2 O (Complex 1, 2,2′‐bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridine) was synthesized for the first time by using 2,2′‐bipy and transition metal copper to convert Waugh‐type polyoxometalate [MnMo 9 O 32 ] 6− into a Keggin polyoxometalate structure [SiMo 12 O 40 ] 4− under hydrothermal conditions in glass vials. Single crystal tests and a series of characterizations were carried out on Complex 1. The structure of Complex 1 is composed of [SiMo 12 O 40 ] 4− and [Cu II (2,2′‐bipy) 2 ] 2+ . The five‐coordinated Cu is connected to two 2,2′‐bipy through Cu–N bonds, forming an approximately square structure. Astonishingly, Complex 1 exhibited good photocatalytic performance for methylene blue degradation and electrocatalytic nitrite reduction properties simultaneously.